If you haven't read Amick's account of the team meeting on Sunday, do so. From what Amick gathers, there was some honesty and blame and admissions and uneasiness.

Normally, I'd brush this off. (I think Amick would too.) I mean, the team had a meeting after Musselman's DUI, if I recall. And a few last year. Teams meet. But it makes headlines … especially if the team is suffering/struggling. And nine times out of 10 (NOT SCIENTIFIC), the resolution disappears immediately.

But the meeting was Sunday. The Lakers game was Tuesday. It was easily the most inspired the team had played all season, maybe in Theus' entire tenure. The effort was simply off the charts. The execution was great too, but the effort really sparked the win.

But did the execution spark the effort? You lead after one quarter, the gym is rockin' … maybe that sustains you. The shots were falling, man. The Lakers made mistakes (lots of them). It didn't have to be Sparta, you know? This is the NBA, and the Lakers only had one extra former All-Star on the roster. (WHAT UP BIG BRAD? MUCH LOVE)

So that's the question heading into tonight. A win or loss, or even the margin won't tell us. We have to see to believe. They say effort is 75% of defense. Will the team fly around and leave every ounce of life on the hardwood? Or will they slip back into self-pity and "when do I get my shots?" mode?

? ?? ???

DO U BYLIEVE?

Tip's at 7:30. Go Kings.